The cool
air pressed against his face, making him appreciate the cold of the
early spring wind, compared to the ballroom where bodies jostled for
space, and heavy cologne and perfume dulled the scented, artificial
air. Edward stood by the balcony staring blankly up at the full,
bright moon that showered him with pale light, "Brother?" the
familiar voice jerked Edward from his thoughts, he turned, faking a
smile, "Hey, Al." He said, the boys concerned face stared across
the floor at him, gold hair, a shade lighter than Ed's brushed
Alphonses eyes, face identical to Edwards only slightly younger."
Come inside Brother, it's cold." Alphonse told Ed, "Nah, I'll
be fine. Don't worry Al." Edward stopped, he saw someone in the
crowds of Masquerade masks. Someone with gold hair and a shock of
bangs, tall and precise, "Brother?" Alphonse probed, "I, uh,
just a minute Al!"Ed said and hurriedly flicked back his ponytail.
Starting to weave in between the walls of people that separated him
from the woman, two tall gentlemen were right in his way, the woman
was leaving! In shock at almost missing his chance, Edward said
desperately to the men who hadn't moved the first time he'd
asked, "Would you excuse me? Sir?" they still ignored him.
Flushed with anger, Ed rammed through them, ignoring their yells of
protest. Charging out the door, Edward saw the woman on the sidewalk
"Lietenant?!Lieutenant Hawkeye?" he yelled, the woman turned and
rose a perfectly manicured eyebrow, "Look kid, I don't know who
you're talking about." She said in that same, military personnel
he had been so used to hearing. Ed stared at the lady; she was
wearing a long, powder blue dress that set off her eyes. Her face was
made up with cheap makeup, her mask was held tensely in a pale, pink
nailed hand " Um, I'm sorry Ma'am." Ed ducked his head
embarrassed; he should've known things were different, he thought
as he walked away. 'Lets go home, Brother." the voice startled
Ed, Alphonse stood at the beginning of the road, holding Edwards
coat. Edward smiled and the brothers headed back to their home, arm
in arm.
